December 19, 2012 -- In the end, it was as easy as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, for Nicole Heroy of Deep River who counted up a total of six “RED” words on her “$100,000 Cashword 5” instant lottery ticket for the game’s $100,000 top prize.

Initially, Heroy and her boyfriend remained calm after revealing the $100,000 prize. However, when the ticket was scanned and confirmed a winner in a lottery “Ticket Checker,” reality kicked in—and they both began screaming. “I kept counting the words…1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6…a hundred thousand dollars,” Heroy said with a laugh. “It was hard to believe!”

$100,000 Cashword 5, a hugely popular crossword-puzzle style of game, is an “extended play” instant game. The $10 ticket takes more time to play than a standard ticket, and the prizes that can be won are built upon how many matches are made as the play is completed.

After first consulting with a financial advisor, Heroy came to Lottery headquarters in Rocky Hill to claim her prize check for $68,303 (value after taxes). She was already excitedly making plans for the future. “I’m going to pay off my car, take a vacation and look at buying a house. I was already looking at houses online last night,” Heroy said brightly.

For selling Heroy her top prize winning $100,000 Cashword 5 ticket, Tobacco Express, located at 320 Main Street in East Haven, will receive a $1,000 selling bonus from the CT Lottery.